Master Boat Builders Delivers Hybrid Tug To Seabulk

Coden, Ala.-based Master Boat Builders Inc. has delivered an electric-hybrid tugboat to Seabulk, part of the Seacor Holdings family of companies. Seabulk has named the new hybrid tug Spartan.

“The Spartan is the latest addition to our fleet and constitutes the first of two hybrid diesel-electric vessels commissioned from Master Boat Builders,” said Daniel Thorogood, CEO of Seabulk. “She is representative of their advanced workmanship and ability to deliver modern, cutting-edge marine technology. We look forward to continuing to deliver service excellence and offering our customers a more sustainable towing solution.”

Robert Allan Naval Architects & Marine Engineers designed the Spartan, which is an American Bureau of Shipping-classed vessel with an escort notation. The Spartan measures 98 feet by 43 feet and offers a bollard pull of 90 tons. 

Hybrid Propulsion System

Thompson Tractor supplied the integrated hybrid propulsion system, which features two 2,550 hp. Caterpillar 3512E EPA Tier 4 main engines, a pair of Berg MTA 628 azimuth thrusters, three Caterpillar generators and two ABB propulsion motors and variable frequency drives.

“As the maritime industry continues to evolve and modernize its fleet, Master Boat Builders is proud to deliver this hybrid tugboat, which will serve as the most efficient, technologically advanced tug operating in the U.S.,” said Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders. “Spartan is the latest in a series of innovative and alternative-powered work boats that we are constructing and that we will continue to deliver as demand in this market expands.”

Caption for photo: The Spartan was designed by Robert Allan Naval Architects & Marine Engineers. (Photo courtesy of Master Boat Builders)